Ep57 Faith & Flourishing in the LGBT+ Experience w/ Shannon Ochoa

“Come see a man who told me everything I have done. Could he possibly be the Messiah?”
~ John 4:29

Is there a place in the Church for people with an LGBT+ experience?
Does God have a joyful plan for people living with same-sex attraction?
How can Christians love all people and uphold the teachings of the Church? 

Pat Millea engages in a profound conversation with Shannon Ochoa, co-founder of Eden Invitation, and recurring guest Fr. Nathan LaLiberte. The episode explores the intricate intersection of faith, sexuality, and mental health, focusing on how to nurture whole-person formation for LGBT+ individuals within the Catholic Church. Shannon shares her personal journey of reconciling her faith with her attractions and the challenges faced along the way, highlighting the importance of God's grace, community, and unconditional love. Join us for insightful reflections on Jesus' mercy, the heart of true discipleship, and practical ways to support celibate individuals and foster a sense of belonging and dignity for all. We invite you into this deeply relevant and heartfelt conversation.

Shannon Ochoa is the co-founder & vice president of Eden Invitation, where she directs programs, nurtures relationships, and develops community. Shannon graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Social Welfare and Gender & Women's Studies.  She has fallen for men and for women, but ultimately she fell for the beauty of Christ and His Church. Prior to founding Eden Invitation, Shannon worked in college campus ministry with The Evangelical Catholic and Brew City Catholic. If you're looking for her, try the shore of the nearest body of water. She’ll be in a hammock.

Episode 57 Show Notes

Learn more about Eden Invitation

Chapters:
0:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards
10:54: Shannon Ochoa's journey of faith & self-knowledge
18:05: Bringing together faith & the LGBT+ experience
31:33: Tying up heavy burdens & the woman at the well
40:22: The work of Eden Invitation
48:02: Practical wisdom for a LGBT+ person or a loved one
57:58: Challenge By Choice

Questions for Reflection & Discussion:

1. What is one specific thing that stuck with you from this conversation?
2. What experiences do you have with an LGBT+ experience or persons?
3. What feelings surfaced in you during this conversation? What are those feelings telling you?
4. How have you seen the Church and Christians respond well to LGBT+ persons? How have you feel Christians fail in their response?
5. How can you better carry the burdens of others? How can you invite others to help carry your burdens?

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Interested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for Integration

Music: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.